Automatic slurry strainer

Abstract

An automatic strainer assembly for straining a slurry comprises an inlet for receiving the slurry, a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with the inlet, and a rotatable strainer member received within the body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The strainer member defines a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough. A scraper is positioned substantially adjacent to and contacting the outer surface of the strainer member for removing material from the outer surface of the strainer member. A collection vessel is positioned substantially below the body for receiving material scraped from the outer surface of the strainer member. This collection vessel can include a transport member for returning this scraped material to an initial slurry supply for reprocessing thereof. An outlet is provided in fluid communication with the horizontal strainer body to expel the strained slurry.

1. An automatic strainer assembly for straining a slurry, said strainer assembly comprising:
 (a) an inlet for receiving such slurry; 
 (b) a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with said inlet; 
 (c) a rotatable strainer member received within said body having an inner surface and an outer surface, said strainer defining a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough; 
 (d) a scraper positioned substantially adjacent to said outer surface of said strainer member for removing material from said outer surface of the strainer member; 
 (e) a collection vessel positioned substantially below said body for receiving material scraped from said outer surface of said strainer member; and 
 (f) an outlet for expelling the strained slurry in fluid communication with said horizontal strainer body; and 
 (g) a frame comprising a pair of plates positioned on either end of said strainer member for supporting said strainer member, each of said plates including beveled edge portions for expelling any trapped material. 
 
     
     
       2. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein said scraper is located to one side of said strainer member prior to said collection vessel with respect to rotation of said strainer member, such that as said strainer member rotates, said scraper is adapted to remove and/or cut the material from said strainer member prior to rotation of said strainer member past said collection vessel, allowing the material to fall into said collection vessel via gravity. 
     
     
       3. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein said scraper is positioned at a lowermost portion of said strainer member between said strainer member and said collection vessel. 
     
     
       4. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein said scraper includes a sharp edge for cutting the solid particles caught within the passageways of said strainer member. 
     
     
       5. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  including a brush located adjacent to said strainer member. 
     
     
       6. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein said collection vessel includes a recycle transport member for removing the material and redirecting the material to a slurry preparation device. 
     
     
       7. The strainer assembly of  claim 6  wherein said collection vessel includes at least one blow-off valve for flushing out the material from said collection vessel and a timing arrangement for controlling actuation of said at least one blow-off valve. 
     
     
       8. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein said inlet and said outlet include graduated flanged portions to allow for progressive funneling of said slurry through said strainer member. 
     
     
       9. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein one of said plates comprises a scalloped surface for facilitating flow of the slurry from the inlet toward the strainer member. 
     
     
       10. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  including a removable cover and an external water source for cleansing said strainer member. 
     
     
       11. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein the orientation of said scraper is manually adjustable with respect to said strainer member. 
     
     
       12. The strainer assembly of  claim 1  wherein said strainer member includes at least one stationary bar located therein. 
     
     
       13. The strainer assembly of  claim 12  wherein said at least one stationary bar includes a plurality of bars positioned adjacent said inner surface of said strainer. 
     
     
       14. A system for processing a slurry, said system comprising:
 (a) a supply of slurry product; 
 (b) an automatic strainer assembly for receiving said slurry product, said strainer assembly comprising:
 (i) an inlet for receiving said slurry; 
 (ii) a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with said inlet; 
 (iii) a rotatable strainer member received within said body having an inner and an outer surface, said strainer defining a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough; 
 (iv) a scraper positioned substantially adjacent to and contacting said outer surface of said strainer member; 
 (v) a collection vessel positioned substantially below said body for receiving said material scraped from said outer surface of said strainer member; 
 (vi) an outlet for expelling said strained slurry, said outlet being in fluid communication with said horizontal strainer body; and 
 (vii) a front plate and a back plate for supporting said strainer member wherein said back plate includes a scalloped surface for facilitating flow of the slurry toward the strainer member and each of said front and back plates include beveled edge portions extending outwardly with respect to said strainer member; and 
 
 (c) a transport line for transporting said scraped material from said collection vessel to said supply of said slurry product. 
 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14  wherein said scraper is positioned to a side of the strainer member between a 90° and 180° angle with respect to a center point of said horizontally disposed strainer member as said strainer member rotates about a horizontal axis such that said scraped and/or cut material falls into said collection vessel via gravity. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 14  wherein said inlet and said outlet include graduated flanged portions to allow for progressive funneling of said slurry through said strainer member. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 14  including at least one stationary bar located within said strainer member. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17  wherein said at least one stationary bar includes a plurality of bars positioned adjacent said inner surface of said strainer member.